Local teacher raises awareness for Cardiomyopathy

Leon Lima, 35 a PE teacher from Bournemouth is running the London Marathon for Cardiomyopathy UK. This is a cause close to his heart as he is doing this to raise awareness of the cardiomyopathy condition that his son has.

Leon is a PE teacher at Glenmore and Winton Academies, sadly the academy also lost a PE teacher Dan Ferris-Oates to cardiomyopathy. This, understandably, send shockwaves through the school as he was fit and healthy. He also left a wife and baby daughter behind and was only 36 when he passed away last year.

Cardiomyopathy is a disease that affects the heart muscles, it is currently estimated that over 160,000 people in the UK are living with the condition. Because of the all too common warning signs of the condition such as breathlessness, palpitations and dizziness, it is commonly misdiagnosed as asthma or anxiety.

Leon’s son, Luka is now 3 years old and 3 months and they almost lost him soon after he was born. He was misdiagnosed with Bronchiolitis when in actual fact it was heart failure and was eventually diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy which he is managing with his parents.

Lima is running the marathon on Sunday 22nd April. He describes it as being his second biggest challenge he has embarked on. He calls it his second biggest challenge because he believes “My number one challenge is ensuring that I provide the very best for my son Luka”.

“[Luka] really is the bravest and most inspiring son I could ever have hoped for. What Luka has had to deal with and continues to take within his stride is mind-blowing”

Lima is currently short of his target goal of £2000 but has already managed to achieve £1479.30. There is still time to donate to this fantastic cause and if you would like to help the link below will take you to his fundraiser site.